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Voice Over CD Demos

Graphic, text, artwork, dimensions, content, examples...

Here you'll find everything you need to know about creating a CD demo - including dimensions, wording,
contents, a dictionary of terms, and a clarification of what the different types of labeling and CD
cases really are (you'l find this very helpful)!

CD dimensions

What text goes on a CD demo?

Your CD demo represents you and must appear professional to obtain work. We suggest the following:

Dictionary

burning

Burning is the process of putting audio onto a CD-R using a home computer. Note that when people say they are
burning a CD, they actually mean a CD-R.

CD

Abbreviation for "compact disc." A CD is a data storage medium that holds numerous types of data-files, ranging
from audio, video, megabytes, and so forth. A CD cannot be burned on a home computer.

CD replication

The process of copying the contents of a CD or CD-R onto a CD.

CD replication process

CDs are encoded in specialized manufacturing plants through an "injection molding process" where microscopic
pits are pressed into the CD from a "glass master." Note that CDs cannot be burned with computer burners.

CD-R

CD-R duplication

The process of copying the contents of a CD or CD-R onto a CD-R.

CD-R duplication process

CD-Rs are burned using consumer computer CD-R burner (the type included with most home computers). CD-Rs have
a 95% success rate and therefore occasionally do not play on certain CD players (usually old/inexpensive CD
players). Note that when people say they burn CDs at home, they really mean that they burn CD-Rs.

dressing

Dressing is the process of putting design (graphics and text) onto the CD, front card, and tray card.

front card

A front card is a paper insert which fits into the top of the CD case, covering the CD. It can have printing
on the front and on the inside. While front cards are not absolutely necessary, they complete a very professional
looking 'package' when marketing.

glass master

A glass master is a large glass disc used in the process of CD replication. While it is very expensive to create,
the glass master allows the CD replication process to be automated, streamlined, and significantly less expensive
than CD-R duplication, which is a manual process. However due to the initial cost of the glass master, replicating
small quantities of CDs are very expensive, and therefore small orders are burned onto CD-Rs.

tray card

A tray card is a "U" shaped paper insert which fits into the back and sides (spines) of the CD case. It can also
have printing on the inside of the case. Tray cards are very necessary, as they allow information (name, telephone
number, etc) to be visible on the spine of the CD, making it simple to find your CD when it is stored in a CD case.

jewel box

The most common type of CD case. Jewel boxes have 3 components. A "tray" hinged on the inside holds the CD.
Small clasps on the inside of the top cover hold the "front card." And underneath the "tray" snuggly holds the
"tray card."

4/0, 4/1, 4/4

These numbers refer to the number of colors used for printing both sides of a "front card" or "tray card."

For example, a front card printed in full color on one side and one color on the other side is 4/1.

CD labeling - two types

Which works better for you?

direct imprint CDs

Ink is 'stamped' directly onto the CD. This method is generally used on orders above 1,000 quantity and on
'black ink' orders under 1,000 quantity.

adhesive label

Adhesive labels are adhered onto the CD. This paper is laser-printed and offers a large splash of color
without glare. This method is generally used on orders under 1,000 quantity except 'black ink' orders which
receives direct imprint.

CD cases - four types

Note that some cases are not compatible with front and/or tray cards (read the descriptions).

clamshell

This soft plastic case is the shape of a seashell -- round except for one straight edge. More durable than hard
plastic cases, thin and good for mailing. Clamshell cases do not fit in many CD storage cases. Nor will they hold
optional front and tray-cards. Note about colored cases: other than transcluenct, clamshell cases are difficult
to see through, which is a problem if you want your CD to be visible through the front.

slim line

This hard plastic, slim CD case looks like a jewel case from the top, but it's much thinner. It is very thin, making
it good for mailing and carrying around. It protects the CD, and easily fits into CD storage case. Built in tabs secure
optional front-cards. However this case is too thin to hold optional tray-cards. Note about colored cases: Slim-line
cases are clear on the top - only the back is colored, so CDs are visible through the front.

jewel

This hard plastic case is the most popular style case (most store bought CDs come with this style). It protects
the CD, and easily fits into CD storage case. Built in tabs secure optional front-cards. Optional tray-cards fit
in the back. Note about colored cases: Jewel cases are clear on the top - only the back is colored, so CDs are
visible through the front.

tyvec paper

This rugged paper envelope has a clear front window, allowing the CD to be visible from the front. This case is
ideal for mailing, as it's light weight and therefore costs less. No plastic parts to break. However it will not
protect the CD. Tyvec cases will not fit in most CD storage cases. Nor will they hold optional front and tray-cards.